Official 2023 NFL Draft Thread

[run pMc]

Also - glad we didn't give up a R2 for Chase Claypool.

[texaspackerbacker]

We should be able to pick up a WR or two between the 3rd and 6th rounds. If you're smart about it and a little lucky, there's plenty of talent in that range. I'd like to see us get another speed guy. Doubs and Toure and of course Lazard and Cobb if he returns are decent enough players, but we could use a speedy backup for Watson.

Of course, Snoop Dog's nephew has expressed an interest in playing WR too.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I started my scouting early this year. I'm looking at the QBs. I must say Hendon Hooker is a guy that is really impressive. If it wasn't for his age and the fact he tore his ACL in November, he has first round talent. The dude had 58 TDs and 5 interceptions in the SEC the last two years. He had the best TD % and best int % in the conference. He has a big arm, good mobility, good mechanics. I really like this kid. His tape is much more impressive than Will Levis--who is getting top 10 buzz.

[Freak Out]

I started my scouting early this year. I'm looking at the QBs. I must say Hendon Hooker is a guy that is really impressive. If it wasn't for his age and the fact he tore his ACL in November, he has first round talent. The dude had 58 TDs and 5 interceptions in the SEC the last two years. He had the best TD % and best int % in the conference. He has a big arm, good mobility, good mechanics. I really like this kid. His tape is much more impressive than Will Levis--who is getting top 10 buzz.

Unless there is some unstoppable force on D sitting there etc I'd draft the dude.

[Fritz]

I'm going to keep pounding the pud, and fighting the good fight )

Fixed that for you.

[call_me_ishmael]

Unless there is some unstoppable force on D sitting there etc I'd draft the dude.

This is the way.

[HarveyWallbangers]

We're going to draft another NDSU kid, aren't we? Gute likes NDSU (Billy Turner, Christian Watson, a practice squad OL last year, a practice squad TE earlier this year, I won't mention Darius Shepherd). This kid is from Spencer, Wisconsin. He's the top rated FB in the draft. Projected to go in the 5th round, and I've heard Kyle Juszczyk comparisons. Think Josiah Deguara, but with better carrying ability. He played RB, FB, and TE at NDSU--and he lined up all over the formation. I like this kid as a late round pick for the Packers.

https://nfldraftblitz.com/2022/10/19/2023-senior-bowl-watchlist-scouting-notes-fb-hunter-luepke-north-dakota-state/

Hunter Luepke is one of the most versatile offensive players entering this class. I do not doubt that he will dominate the competition at the Senior Bowl. He’s used as a running back, full back, H-back, and tight end, and he is a very effective receiver at every level on the field. He held just two offers out of high school, from North Dakota State and Northern Iowa.

Hunter Luepke scouting notes

Pros:

* Incredible body control. Very measured athlete.
* Very strong runner between the tackles. Has solid contact balance between staying upright. He Breaks tackles routinely and keeps his legs churning at all times.
* Acceleration is good.
* Natural receiver. More than capable receiver at multiple levels of the field. He has the ability to work the sideline as well while making catches.
* Solid route-runner. Is more of an H-Back in a fullback’s body.
* Ran a complex route tree at North Dakota State.
* Very solid run blocker.
* Solid in pass protection. Stout blocker. Locks up his edge quickly and effectively.

Cons:

* I would expect Luepke to test as a low-end running back, somewhere in the 4.6-4.7 range. It’s good speed, and if you’re not careful, you’ll lose him.
* Doesn’t change direction well with the ball in his hands. He’s focused on staying north/south.

Unfortunately, he hurt his shoulder near the end of the season. He won't participate in the Senior Bowl, and he may not be ready in time for the combine.

You can see how versatile he is in this game against Arizona (#44). He played RB, FB, and TE--and had 18 carries for 115 yards and 2 TDs, 3 receptions for 65 yards and 1 TD (almost 2 TDs receiving).

On another note: NDSU's LT Cody Mauch (#70) could be a 1st round pick this year.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'm not overly impressed with this year's class of RBs--outside of Bijan Robinson (more of a top 20 player than a top 10 player for me) and Jahmyr Gibbs (who I love, reminds me of Jamaal Charles). One sleeper that I like is Roschon Johnson of Texas. Right now, he's the consensus #13 RB, but he'd be in my top 5 right now. He sat behind Bijan, but he's just a really good all around RB. Bigger back who has a bit of elusiveness and burst; pretty good vision, balance, and power; good pass protector and flashes some solid hands.

[King Friday]

OL and TE more than anything. The main downfall of this team was red zone offense.

[RashanGary]

Would you switch spots with the Bears. Fields of Young (your choice) and 100M dollars and no bad contracts. They’re in a good spot to build something special. If you trust the GM, that is.

[Sparkey]

Green Bay has the 15th pick, thanks to Washington, Detroit and Seattle all winning.

[Deputy Nutz]

15th pick in the draft,

Where the Packers could use the draft to upgrade positions of weakness
Safety - Probably to most inept group of safeties I have seen in Green Bay. I have always thought that Green Bay puts a high price on dynamic and intelligent football players at the safety position. This is currently not what the Packers have. Savage is at best a slot corner/Nickel guy because he lacks intelligence and is a less than average tackler. Amos is an average football player at best and paired with Ford you have two roll down safeties because neither are good enough in deep coverage to play both at the same time.

OT - Yikes! It was good to see #69 back in the fold after a difficult last two years, but they need an offensive tackle on the right side that can protect against pass rushers. Obviously the last game against Detroit was brutal. I like Tom but he still looks like he needs to add a bit of strength and he might grow into a starter in the next couple of years. He can play multiple positions which nice.

LB - Currently I am not a fan of Walker. I think he makes plays because he is just super athletic but he has no real idea how to be a box linebacker. His foolishness during the season also tells me he needs a lot of maturing as a professional athlete. He currently lacks the ability to make the simple run reads and pass reads needed to be a good linebacker. Please don't count tackles because too many of them come after a 5+ yard gains. Campbell just doesn't do it for me, he has the exact opposite issue as Walker, not athletic enough to make plays off his reads.

TE/FB - Lewis can't last much longer in this league. I like DeGuara in the hybrid role but I haven't seen the athleticism out of him to warrant his 3rd round selection. I am sure Tonyan will be better another year removed off of ACL.

WR No issues with the development of the young guys, and Lazard is good at what he does, he isn't a sure handed receiver and he is no burner on the deep ball stuff. Cobb is gone, so we need another cat that can sort of be a hybrid slot receiver that can block a little bit and truly has a nasty attitude, that will almost be more important than some kind of freak speed or athleticism.

QB Whether Rodgers stays or retires the Packers owe him 53 million in 2023 and that's a nut punch either way. I guess that's what happens when he can hold the organization hostage. I believe Love will be fine, I like his arm and it seems his feet have improved. Obviously it's hard to tell about how far he has come in his understanding and execution of the offense but I think in the bits we have seen he has the tools to get it done in 2023 if Rodgers retires. The Packers need a back up if Rodgers retires I would like to see the Packers invest in youth rather than pick up a veteran. Love doesn't need that added pressure of that if he is the starter in 2023.

Kicker - Crosby is done. Need to replace him without breaking the draft board.

[Joemailman]

Packers #15 picks:

1993: Wayne Simmons

1979: Eddie Lee Ivery

1958: Jim Taylor

1954: Bob Fleck

1952: Billy Howton

1949: Dan Dworsky

[run pMc]

Good writeup Nutz. I mostly agree. I also think they need someone who can play 5-tech (I think Lowry is gone) and another EDGE/OLB player as well. Gary will not 100% and Preston is ok but his best years are behind him. Safety is a big one, as is figuring out slot defender although I think they will go with Savage there.

I think they will take a TE early also - Deguara is the only one under contract. Tonyan is 29, I think he's a nice player but his legs weren't there this year and he might be gone anyway.

OL had a bad game vs. DET. They've been pretty good in general but it depends on Bahk. They have some young players who could make a leap (C.Jones, R.Walker, Z.Tom, doubtful on Rhyan) but the depth is a concern. Newman could get you out of a game at RG, and I'd rather see Hanson playing for the Bears. Taking Myers over Humphrey is looking like a questionable choice at best. I could see them take a player mid rounds unless someone falls to them early.

WR - I think they need someone besides Watson to threaten the deep part of the field. He's been hurt a lot, and if he's hurt you better have a backup, or a backup plan. If Lazard stays he can play the big slot, but they will need another body at WR.

[texaspackerbacker]

Packers #15 picks:

1993: Wayne Simmons

1979: Eddie Lee Ivery

1958: Jim Taylor

1954: Bob Fleck

1952: Billy Howton

1949: Dan Dworsky

Are you sure? I thought Jim Taylor was a 4th or 5th rounder.